Related Sponsors

Artistic Considerations

Home » Lawn & Garden » Landscaping - Designing a Landscape » Artistic Considerations

The first step in designing a landscape is simply to start developing your artistic vision. As you go around town, look at the homes and businesses, and notice the ways in which their owners have designed their yards and property. Look at magazine pictures of professional landscapes. Before long, you'll start to have an idea of what type of landscape you might like, as well as where on your property you think it should be located.

Next, you should decide whether you want a focal point for your landscape. A focal point is by no means necessary, but it can be helpful as a central orienting structure around which you can build your landscape. You may already have a focal point on your property, perhaps a gazebo, a small pond, a particular tree, or a swimming pool. On the other hand, you could purchase a focal point, such as a fountain, sundial, swing, or set of stepping stones.

After picking a focal point, you're ready to think about colors. Your landscape should either feature one particular or employ complimentary or harmonious colors. Complimentary colors, such as red and green, give your landscape an exciting appearance. In general, light colors work particularly well in shaded areas. Keep in mind, however, that your goal is to compliment your house, so choose colors that compliment the color of your home.

You should also be thinking about the purpose behind your landscape. If you only want it to compliment your house, make sure that you picture the landscape in conjunction with the house. On the other hand, if you want your landscape to be a place you can enter, you'll want to include a swing or a pathway. Finally, you can use your landscape to display a particular theme, such as the red, white, and blue for the Fourth of July.

Finally, you should think of your landscape as a piece of art and follow artistic guidelines in order to create your landscape. In other words, think about issues such as line; where will your eyes be drawn as you look at the landscape? What about balance and unity? A symmetrical landscape is particularly attractive, but it is by no means the only way to go. Variety and diversity are also qualities of a beautiful landscape. How can you have both balance and variety? These are the types of questions you should be asking and answering.

Next Page: Logistical Considerations

Related Landscaping - Designing a Landscape Articles